2wd w/locker vs. 4wd

[mc_muench]

i got a 92 2wd ranger, and wana do some offroading in it, i dont want a new truck, so i thought why not get a locker...

but my dad said you cant go offroad with a 2wd, and i said a 2wd w/ a locker can be just as good as a 4wd...

naturally being a father he doesnt believe me, so i need some proof or explanation from other people, with 2wd trucks with lockers in them, about there experiences with 2wd offroad...

Thanks,
REDBULL Ranger

 

[daniel3507]

a 2wd with a locker can do good off road but it still wont be as good as 4wd. ive gotten my locked bronco stuck in 2wd, put in 4 and was able to get out no problem. a locker will help 2wd, but its still no 4wd

 

[RedneckSTX]

I do agree with you about being able to go offroad with a 2wd, because I have did it with previously owned trucks, and lots of other people do it too, but I don't believe that a 2wd with a locker will be just as good as a 4wd.

 

[mc_muench]

thats why i said, can be just as good as a 4wd, keyword there, "can"

 

[Chance]

Yeah still not as good as four wheel. Due to the weight over them, the front wheels have more traction than the rear.

 

[wahlstrom1]

Weight over the wheels is a significant advantage to 4wd (why SUV's wheel better then trucks when built the same) and the distance between driven wheels. You hit a mud patch in 2wd, both driving wheels hit it at the same time. With 4wd your front's in it and the rear is still pushing from solid ground and vice-versa.

 

[mc_muench]

this is not HELPING!!, your all saying 4wd is better, and i know that, but i dont have 4wd so i wana make do with what i have, sorry, now what are some ggod things about 2wd w/lockers

 

[Jspafford]

Easier to lose control on slippery surfaces because both wheels break free, instead of one rolling along holding onto the road.

That didn't help either, did it?

 

[wahlstrom1]

Lol, less weight overall and less moving parts = less maintenance and less to go wrong. Unless you plan on actually 'wheeling' more then just a dirt road/field a locked 2wd should be sufficient for just about anything you need to do. Spend the money to get a good locker/ Limited slip such as a Truetrac, or Aussie locker depending on your budget. A good set of tires will always make a difference as well.

 

[mc_muench]

all i plan on is firelanes and fields, and the occasional shallow mud pit, so that's why i figured the lockers, or once i get my sisters car this summer, i might just weld the spider gears together

 

[ambivolent]

i have a 2wd at the moment, had a 4wd ranger years ago, either setup you can still get stuck, ive had my 2wd ranger stuck a few times but managed to get it out with techniques my pops taught me, then again i was taught to only engage 4WD when i needed it(get stuck) usually when i get into this debate the first thing i ask is do you put in 4WD as soon as you get off road, if they reply yes discussion over.

but in short, if you know how to drive you dont really need 4WD(pick your trails) but it dose help in some situations(why ill be doing a 4x4 swap in the future)

 

[RustedRanger]

In WW2 the German "Jeep" the Kubelwagon was 2wd and it impressed many with what it would go through.....but it does come back to weight over the drive wheels,the engine like other VW's was in the back. I think much depends on how you drive and of course not biting off more than you can chew

 

[feellnfroggy]

this is not HELPING!!, your all saying 4wd is better, and i know that, but i dont have 4wd so i wana make do with what i have, sorry, now what are some ggod things about 2wd w/lockers

A 2wd with locker will be better than your 2wd without a locker, You can go offroad just fine without a 4wd, just dont get stupid with it. Your dad is only partially right. In extreme cases you wont be as agile as a 4wd, however you will have just as much fun with a locked 2wd as you would a 4wd. Make your girl always mud with you in a bikini or underwear and she will be wading through mud alot more often than the other guy girl. HOT HOt Hot! To correct your dad You dont need a 4wd to go offroad, just dont try to climb rocks or trees or waterfalls or anything.

I can tell you right now that and 85 4 cyl mustang with a 4spd an go through alot of offroad situations without any problems and while it got stuck alot... It was still a helluva lotta fun.

 

[feellnfroggy]

Also, have you mentioned to your dad that 90% of the Baja 1000 prerunner are 2wd? Least as far as I know. SHow him some vids on youtube.

 

[Jason]

All the guys are right, including your Dad. It isn't as good. Can't be as good. Won't be as good.